Published 3 months ago • loading... • Updated 3 months ago

'Read the fine print': Some lifetime warranties don't last a lifetime

On Dec. 25, 2025, The Canadian Press reported that manufacturers vary in defining 'lifetime' warranties, so shoppers should read packaging, manuals or websites to understand terms.
Experts note there is no standard definition of 'lifetime' as manufacturers may mean the product's life, purchaser's life, or home's life, reflecting shifting industry motives, Alissa Centivany and Josh Hanet say.
Commonly, lifetime warranties exclude damage beyond normal wear, require proof of purchase, and may limit coverage to repairs with potential fees, manufacturers and retailers warn.
Consumers should consider if a lifetime warranty suits big-ticket items or frequent use, as inexpensive items may offer limited value despite providing peace of mind.
Practical advice: contact manufacturers for clarification; a Patagonia jacket bought 15 years ago was repaired for free, and a recent Gresham, Ore., photo shows customers navigating warranties.

Insights by Ground AI

15 Articles

CP24

+4 Reposted by 4 other sources

Center

‘Read the fine print’: Some lifetime warranties don’t last a lifetime

Experts say the meaning of a lifetime warranty varies from product to product and doesn’t always grant the eternal repairs or replacements many imagine.

3 months ago·Toronto, Canada

Read Full Article